Comparison of the Outcomes of Closed Reduction Nasal Bone Fractures With a Surgical Navigation System

Abstract

Background: The most prevalent form of facial bone fractures is nasal fractures. The surgical procedures used for these fractures are relatively simple, but complete correction is not easy because the nasal bone is small and identifying the fracture site by palpation is difficult. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of intraoperative surgical navigation systems in nasal bone fracture surgery through a prospective analysis.

Methods: Between February 2019 and July 2019, 25 navigation-assisted closed reductions of nasal fractures were performed. Preoperative computed tomography images were obtained at 1-mm intervals before surgery and the navigation was set by a simulation to have an error rate of less than 1. Then, the navigation system was used to identify the fracture site. Closed reduction was performed with Asch forceps and a Langenbeck elevator based on the previous markings made using the navigation system.

Results: The degree of reduction was evaluated by plain X-rays and computed tomography scans, which were performed 1 month after surgery. In the navigation group, the average distance between the fragment and normal bony alignment was decreased from 2.38 to 0.49 mm and the modified Motomura score was an average of 2.40 points. The decrease in the mean distance was significantly different (P = 0.038) compared with the conventional group.

Conclusions: Surgical navigation systems could be a useful tool for localizing fracture sites and guiding closed reductions. In particular, the system could be recommended for nasal bone fracture reductions in the tip or pyriform regions, which are difficult to correct.

Level of evidence: II.